Royal Engineers working along with US Army Engineers have replaced a bridge on a key route in Helmand province which was destroyed by an insurgent bomb.

The bomb partially destroyed the bridge on Highway 1 and also injured some ISAF troops. Damage to the bridge resulted in traffic tailbacks of up to 5km.

Some Afghans were stuck for hours on the key road, which has been referred to as the M25 of southern Afghanistan.

As well as rebuilding the bridge, the ISAF and Afghan troops also handed out food and water to stranded motorists.

ISAF and their Afghan National Army (ANA) partners established an alternate bypass route the morning after the explosion, subsequently a combat bridge was sent from Camp Bastion.

By daybreak the next day, this small bridge had drastically reduced the traffic build-up by allowing smaller vehicles across. This was helped by members of the Royal Military Police and the ANA.

Concurrently, planning was underway by Task Force Helmand to put in a more permanent solution, using the expertise of Sappers from 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), and a permanent logistic support bridge was up and running within weeks of the explosion after the British and American Sappers spent the festive period living at the site.

DIARY DATES: Today: Royal Marines Association meets at 19.30 hours at West Bowling Working Mens Club, Dovesdale Road, Little Horton.

Royal Naval Association meets at 20.00 hours at Feversham Street Sea Cadets headquarters.

The Prince of Wales Own Association meets at 19.30 hours at Bradford Moor Conservative Club.

Wednesday: The Coldstream Guards Association meets at 19.30 hours at Northcliffe Golf Club, Saltaire.

The Green Howards Association meets at 13.30 hours at Headingley Club.

The Royal British Legion, Keighley, meets at 19.30 hours at Holingsroyd House, Lord Street, Keighley.

Suez Veterans Association (West Yorkshire branch) meetings in 2011 at 11.30 hours, the TA Centre, George Street, Wakefield, (five minutes walk from train station): Monday, March 14, Monday, May 9, Monday, July 11, Monday, September 12, and Monday, November 14. Book your place before 1pm the prior Thursday on (01924) 827393 or e-mail rod.sva@gmx.com.